A FOOTBALL qualifier between Malawi and South Africa to be played in February has become embroiled in controversy surrounding the television screening rights to the game. Gilton Chiwaula, director of Malawi’s corrupt practices watchdog, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, said that the body launched an investigation into the awarding of the screening rights following a complaint filed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. “The bureau received a complaint alleging that the acting general secretary of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) irregularly concluded a Television Rights Contract with another South African company,” he said. SABC spokesperson Alet Bensch said that the FAM had already committed itself to the SABC and the corporation was surprised to learn that the TV rights for the game were awarded to its competitor, Global Africa Football. Chiwaula said his organisation has interviewed a number of witnesses although the principal witness, FAM acting general secretary Sunduzwayo Madise who signed the deal, has yet to testify. The FAM are backing Madise, accusing the SABC itself of trying to influence FAM’s decision by offering to pay accommodation for the FAM delegation that went to Johannesburg to conclude the deal. Bensch dismisses the allegations. “We do not have records of payment for hotel accommodation for Malawian soccer officials in our files, we only assisted in making reservations,” she said. Madise also brushed off suggestions that he received kickbacks from Global Africa Football, and accused “some senior” officials of baying for his blood. “I know there is someone in government who is behind all this. I know I am hated,” he claimed. Madise also said that he is ready to resign as the probe has compromised his integrity. Global Africa Football paid $100000 dollars for the television deal and purchased sports equipment for the Malawian national team, the Flames. Bensch refused to disclose SABC offer but FAM officials say it was not dissimilar to the offer made by Global Africa. — Pana